Hawaiian Electric’s power purchase contract with Wailuku River Hydroelectric was set to expire on May 12. The partners are negotiating a new long-term contract now, but have asked for an amendment to their existing agreement that would extend the contract for up to five years and could also provide savings to Big Island electricity customers.
BHE Renewables, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy business, is hosting a discussion from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Hilo Intermediate School about its 10-megawatt Wailuku hydroelectric generation project, also known as Wailuku River Hydroelectric.
Hawaiian Electric has renegotiated three of four renewable energy contracts at fixed rates that can help reduce and stabilize bills, resulting in long-term savings for customers on Hawaii Island.T. . .
The current contracts with Puna Geothermal Venture, Hawi Renewable Development and Wailuku River Hydroelectric are long-term “avoided cost” contracts with adjustable rates that are tied to oil prices and that fluctuate monthly.